Home / Sports / Scotland's Defence: Winners and Losers Emerge
Scotland's Defence: Winners and Losers Emerge
1 Apr
Summary
- Defensive pairings were tested in different formations against Japan and Ivory Coast.
- Goalkeeping options Liam Kelly and Scott Bain had mixed performances.
- Several players' statuses, including Hanley and Patterson, remain unclear.
Scotland's recent international break provided opportunities to assess defensive options in varied tactical setups. Against Japan, Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna formed a centre-back pairing in a four-man defence, while a back three was employed against Ivory Coast with Dominic Hyam and John Souttar alongside Kieran Tierney.
Nathan Patterson appeared rusty at right-back, contrasting with Ross McCrorie's steady performance at wing-back. Goalkeeping also saw rotation, with Angus Gunn starting against Japan and Liam Kelly and Scott Bain each playing 45 minutes against Ivory Coast. Kelly's performance was marred by a dawdling error on the decisive goal, while Bain made a crucial late save.
These matches have left several defensive selections open to interpretation. The status of long-standing favourite Grant Hanley, who did not feature, is now under scrutiny. The performances of Kelly and Bain may also influence the pecking order for the third-choice goalkeeper role, especially with Craig Gordon's fitness also a factor.
